July 2012 Blog Posts (9)

So the last time I raced was early May, the day before mothers day.

The next day I was developing a bit of a cough, which turned into a chest infection. It wasn't bad, it didn't really stop me from working or doing anything else, I could even ride, but I couldn't ride hard at all. I couldn't do any intervals and when I tried to ride with a bunch as soon as the hammer dropped it was like I had a kill switch. For about 6 weeks I was a little bit sick, as soon as I was recovering…

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Started riding to work a couple of days per week. Using a route that avoids certain death on Moggill Rd, but adds a few kilometres to the route. I've also discovered Strava. I can see that it will get quite addictive!! Also noticed that my average and max heart rates for identical rides is coming down over the past few weeks. Could it be that I getting fitter??

Success!! Managed to get up Mt Cootha this morning. No stops until channel 10. It was not easy, but it seemed a lot easier than last week when I didn't quite make it to the top. Is it possible for fitness to improve noticeably in one week??? Pretty happy!!

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/201304658

Attempted Mt Cootha thismorning for the first time. Didn't quite make it. A bit disappointed when I uploaded my Garmin because I stopped only a couple of hundred metres shy of the top of the main climb. But I didnt know that at the time - just seemed to be going on for ever!!  So I've learned how important the mental side of cycling is. I was no fitter on the riverloop thismorning than last week, yet the hills seemed much easier after my failed Mt Cootha attempt. Its all relative!!

I…

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OK all folders...I can report that riding a Brompton M3 on the Otago Central Rail Trail in mid-winter was an experience unparalleled. All weather was experienced - sun, ice, snow, wind -however we had layers to spare. 

Otago Pinot Noir and accommodation with roaring log fires, added to the whole adventure.

Bikes travelled in Brompton soft travel bags as normal baggage with additional padding made from additional clothing. Not very professional I realise - but it worked.

I…

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I stated elsewhere on this site that I would post an instructional on how I have and will continue to ride my bike in all conditions, at all times of the day without feeling I need to avoid riding over smashed glass etc etc withought getting a flat tyre and I dont expect I will get one ever again excluding accidental valve removal, catastrophic rim failure or a bout of wheels disease (accident with a car) and this will be no fluke or just 'lucky'.

I appreciate my methods may not…

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Average speed of 28.3km/h this thismorning on the Riverloop. Pushed a bit harder than Tuesday and went a little faster. First time with an average speed above 28. Pretty happy!!  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/196204181

Very lucky to avoid what would have been a nasty crash. I was riding a couple of metres behind a colleague from work, on the bike track just entering the botanic gardens from QUT travelling away from the…

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I was trying to do a myriad of things on the way out of the house this morning - get the bike out, check the tyres and brakes, put the world’s fiercest parrot out, feed the world’s fiercest parrot, pack the pannier, rush, rush some more, run out of time, go, go, go ...

So I take the bike down to the road - I live on a hill above the road you see - and off I ride. I’ve got jeans and a shirt on (my now standard winter haute couture when commuting), but…

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Did a river loop this morning before work. It was freezing, around 6 degrees when I started (dont believe the Garmin temperature...). So cold that when I got back to work and took my shoes off, my toes were completely numb and remained that way until I got into a hot shower. Then they went bright red and hurt. Anyway, despite the cold and the slow start, average speed was over 27km/h which is a personal best for me. But the most satisfying aspect was that I was not going hard. I still had…

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